Raw is a good place for an artist. It's where the truth comes out.

The world is getting so reality-driven these days. It seems to be accelerating exponentially. But it's a dangerous game for a lot of people.

Red carpets are pretty unpredictable. You can go from one person asking you what you're wearing to the next person asking you about the situation in Haiti. It's the extreme juxtaposition, and some of the questions can throw me!

I love the beginnings of artists when all they've got is raw talent and nothing else.

I don't want to impress, I want to inspire.

There are certain songs that are sacred. People want to hear them just as they are in their head; they don't want you messing around with them. And then there are some other songs, if they've been around a long time in our set list, that I think we can take some creative liberties with.

I'm a little more comfortable in that role. I love being in the studio.